“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-6 (NKJV)
Too often I hear only part of that sentence quoted! However, I’m choosing to look at the entire sentence for this discussion. This morning we talked about being a living sacrifice – living according to the Will of God. Here Paul tells us what is the will of God. Yes, part of the sentence specifically refers to not getting involved in sexual immorality. I know that is an area which is talked about in various books of the Bible – stay away from sexual sins! That’s not a gray area – it is definitely black!
But in reading the rest of the sentence this passage seems to go beyond sexual sins when it references that we should not take advantage of or defraud. It also seems to be directly referencing not taking advantage of or defrauding our Christian family members. How many times in my life have I knowingly or unknowingly taken advantage of someone? Only my guardian angel and God know the answer to that question. I can’t speak for anyone else, but although it has never been intentional, I know without a doubt that I have let God down in this area. God says He is the avenger for when I take advantage of someone else. Let that sink in for a moment.
Dear Lord, forgive me for times when I have knowingly or unknowingly taken advantage of someone else in any way. Step into that person’s life and correct the false picture of You that I have left them with. Do whatever it takes to let them see who You really are even if it means that I am shown to be in a bad light – because that would be truthful. You are the only truth and light.
Listen to Musikanna as he sings “Let Them See Christ in Me” which was composed by Deborah Harris and Mark Hayes.
Published on MyBibleRoom.com 12/30/24, 5:00 pm